Tag Archives: weight loss

Hands up who wants to feel great in their clothes or on the beach this summer?

Hands up who needs to keep an eye on the quantity and quality of their food intake to help achieve that?

Ok so now we have that sorted you will be pleased to know I have the perfect solution for you with these super easy, healthy and filling pancakes that have the added bonus of being dairy, sugar and gluten free 🙂

Blend all ingredients together and fry in coconut oil then serve as desired. I topped them with some Coyo coconut yoghurt and some frozen dark cherries. The yellow colour of these pancakes comes from the curcumin in the protein powder – great for inflammation so if you used another protein powder they would look and taste different 🙂

If you’d like to get a 10% discount on any of the products from Raw Sport and Revolution Food just use code ZITAFIT at checkout 🙂

These pancakes make a great breakfast as the protein content is high and will therefore keep you fuller for longer and your blood sugar stable – the magic solution for weight loss.

Protein is key for muscle repair so when we exercise we need to ensure adequate amounts and for vegans or vegetarians using a protein powder in smoothies or recipes such as this can really help boost intake.

If you can get away with eating more calories and want a delicious variation then I recommend spreading some cashew butter between 2 pancakes – yummylicous 🙂

Cashew or Almond butter works really well with protein pancakes

If you’d like to get that six pack ready for summer the other thing to focus on is working your core so why download your free copy of my 10 minute workout that gets results.

I’m delighted to have won an award at Maximise 2016 annual conference and awards organised by Women’s Business Club.

The day was held in the beautiful Pittville Pump rooms in Cheltenham and was packed with all kinds of businesses who had stands, alongside a variety of speakers, a fashion show and then the award ceremony at the end.

I had a stand to share my cookbooks and the Total Body Shape up Plan as Zest Bootcamp classes and 1-1 personal training is location dependant and people came to the event from all over the country.

One of the talks I went to was about Mindfulness, something I know I need to practice more of so spent a lovely 10 mins calming my thoughts and learning some great tips.

On a practical level I took a big bottle of water with me to have at the stand so I knew I could stay hydrated as well as some healthy snacks as wasn’t sure what kind of food would be on offer – planning is key to eat healthily. (hopefully you spotted the water in the photo)

The fashion show included some lovely hats and other designer accessories from Tricia Designs.

I caught up briefly with Sheryl Andrews who has just launched her book “Managing your Critic” as well as Carol of Pink and Green skincare products – infact I was having a nice cup of tea and chatting to Carol when I suddenly realised they were calling my name as I had won an award!

It was great to see all the winners of other awards and lovely for Jennifer Hall, aka The Life Buddy to win an award for speaker of the Year – Jen previously hosted the Bath Women’s Business Club which I now host once a month. If you are reading this and based in or near Bath why not come next Wednesday to our special #shoplocal Christmas market event where you can either just shop between 11-12 noon and then go or you can book the networking business lunch and get a free table beforehand so you can showcase your goodies and make some festive sales. The meeting is held at beautiful Bailbrook house and you can book here

It seems wearing my pink dress was a hit again as I had endless compliments about it and I kept telling people that it is because I had my colours done by House of Colour so I knew that the colour suited me and therefore had the confidence to wear such a bright dress. If I had time alongside the health & fitness I would train as an image consultant and help others discover what colours suit them best as I am really passionate about it but in the meantime I can point you in the direction of Gilly who is a local Bath/Bristol stylist who I’m sure would love to help you.

Back to feeling healthy, if any of you would like to get a plan in place for the start of 2017 and focus on eating healthier and putting your health back on track I’d love to share the shape up plan with you as it is a simple way to eat good food to nourish your body.

There are shopping lists of what to buy each week and what to eat each day/week plus recipes and I guarantee you will love the food.

I’m going to offer you a special price of £57 for this 8 week plan if you buy it before 10 December (after that it will be going back to the £77 full price).

Sorry the discounted link has now expired, however you can still purchase the 8 week plan by clicking here

You can read more details about the Shape Up Plan by clicking here but really all your need to know is that once you receive your manual you follow it, along with being supported in the private Facebook group, and the result is that you will look and feel fantastic just like a few of these people before you.

”My energy levels are SO much better”

“It has reduced sweet cravings associated with sugar lows”

“I am sleeping better despite menopausal night sweats”

”I’m going out on my bike for longer and can manage it due to better eating”

”I’ve lost inches and feel good – even though I’ve not followed the plan exactly as I am a vegetarian – happily recommend it”

However, it’s said that Saint Zita was the patron saint of housekeeping – not sure that’s true! Also it is a very thick, big pasta – that probably is true 🙁

Zita doing Ice Skaters

All I know is that I’m half Portuguese and I’ve still never met anyone with the same first name of Zita. Although my surname (Alves) might sound exotic, in Portugal it’s pretty common and a bit like Smith would be in the UK (no disrespect to any of you called Smith:)

For any of you who don’t know much about me (and my former life as the “cake monster” in my previous career) I recorded a little video ( with a couple of Somerset sheep in the background for good measure).

Here is one of my favourite recipes that if you haven’t tried it you will wish you had known about it years ago!

It’s great for breakfast or snack you can take on the move or when you want something sweet but healthy.

It’s gluten free (good if you have any auto immune diseases or inflammatory condition as often gluten makes these conditions worse)

It’s sugar free (good if you want to protect your teeth and also keep your blood sugar stable for better energy, fat loss and long term health)

It’s high in protein (good if you want to feel fuller for longer, reduce carb cravings, help muscle building and repair)

It’s dairy free (good for people unable to digest lactose or whose body is intolerant of dairy – many people notice that bloating, wind and bad skin are all improved once they stop dairy)

It’s quick and easy (good for everyone including children)

So all you need is a ripe banana and 2 eggs plus some coconut oil or grass fed butter.

Mash the banana, add the eggs and blend well

Heat the oil or butter and cook slowly then serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

You can also serve with a dollop of coconut milk yoghurt and some berries.

What’s not to like – enjoy!

Zita x

ps If you’d like to enjoy other gluten free and sugar free recipes check out my 90 recipe cookbook here and if you would like to have a very easy nutrition plan that each week tells you exactly what to do with shopping lists, meal plans and recipes then click here to find out more

Eating natural, unprocessed food is what our bodies are designed to thrive on, yet we still stuff them full of toxic, manmade rubbish and wonder why we have bad skin, no energy, feel bloated and just not very healthy.

Simply put – if you had a Ferrari I doubt you would go to the cheapest petrol station and fill it with whatever dirty fuel was on offer – you’d more likely give it premium fuel so that it ran smoothly. Ofcourse you definitely wouldn’t put diesel into a petrol car as we know that is a recipe for disaster (I’ve very nearly done it!)

So if you want to get your engine running better… then try my simple 7 day detox which doesn’t involve drinking any grass flavoured teas or anything fancy – just real food that tastes great, including tasty smoothies for lunch and delicious protein packed lunches and dinners.

Andrew from New York loved the recipes and after 7 days his jeans felt much better.

Lisa (a busy mum of 2) lost 6lbs!

At just £7 what have you got to lose except those post Christmas pounds that might still be hanging around.

Ofcourse you need to maintain a healthy diet for longer than just 7 days but this has proved to be a great kickstart to get you either back into or just starting healthy habits.

Coconut Berry Detox Smoothie

I also now offer an 8 week Total Body Shape Up Plan for people who are ready commit to carrying on healthy habits that will get even more results. Find out more about the 8 week shape up plan that involves regular exercise at our Zest Bootcamp classes in Bath alongside the online nutritional plan (which anyone can do anywhere) by clicking here

So remember if you want to be run like a Ferrari you have to put the best fuel in 🙂

Zita x

PS Our next trial week at Zest Bootcamp in Bath starts on 1st February so why not come and see how much fun it is – don’t let the word bootcamp scare you.

The only reason I know is because in 2013 I volunteered to be an ambassador for this initiative started by Jamie Oliver that has spread worldwide in the endeavour to educate and inspire children and adults to learn where their food comes from and how to cook healthy food .

So it may seem strange that the word healthy and chocolate both feature next to each other! However this is the perfect way to get children involved in cooking something they will enjoy.

Here’s how with these gluten free, dairy and sugar free chocolate brownies that everyone seems to love, especially those with with food allergies or intolerances who would like a sweet treat.

The secret ingredient in these is….sweet potato that is packed with nutrition and taste great.

SWEET POTATO BROWNIES

2 medium/large sweet potatoes

14 medjool dates- pitted

80g ground almonds

100g buckwheat or brown rice flour

4 tbsp raw cacoa powder

pinch salt

Pre heat oven to 180C (fan 160)

1.Peel sweet potatoes, cut in chunks and steam for about 20 mins until really soft

2.Remove and allow to cool slightly

3.Add to food processor with dates, blend until smooth and creamy

4.Put all other ingredients in a bowl, then add date/potato mixture

5.Stir well – (This may be quite difficult and you may think its really dry but dont panic)

6. Place in baking dish/tray and cook for 20/30 mins until skewer comes out clean

7.Remove from oven and leave to cool in tray for 10 mins (REALLY IMPORTANT STEP)

After this time they can be turned out to finish cooling and cut into squares – enjoy!

So if you believe in helping spread the word about how easy and important healthy eating is for a future generation of happy, healthy children and adults then feel free to share this recipe.

If you’d like more ideas that the whole family will love then check out my cookbook with 90 recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner ideas that are tasty, quick and of course good for your mind and body. There are smoothies, soups, hot meals and many ideas you may never had thought of but will be favourites for a long time. Click here to find out more

Enjoy the brownies

Zita 🙂

ps If you eat too many brownies and want to work them off then join our next trial week at Zest Bootcamp in Bath – click here

Much as sometimes my clients would love me to do their burpees and press ups, that wouldn’t actually get them the results they desire 🙂

Anyway, hope you enjoyed pancake day – maybe they were topped with nutella or golden syrup, and maybe now you have given up sugar for Lent.

Ofcourse I think giving up sugar is a great move towards better health, teeth and weight loss but I have a different challenge for you over the next 6 weeks.

Instead of giving something up why not add something good in every day.

Here are a few ideas to start you off:

1. An extra glass of water every day

2. Say hello (or at least smile) to someone in the street

3. Add in an extra portion of green vegetables to your dinner

4. Let a car out at a junction if you are driving

5. Phone a friend you’ve not spoken to for a while

6. Try a new healthy food you have never had before

7. Skin brush before you shower

8. Make your lunch to take to work instead of buying the same old thing

9. Meditate for 10 minutes

10. Go for a walk during your lunch hour to get some fresh air

The possibilities are endless!

Which is really exciting – are you in?

Zita “glass half full” Alves

ps If you want the Zest Bootcamp “teachers” to open the door so you can go through it (and get the energy, fitness, health and weight loss results your desire) then I recommend joining our next trial week which starts soon – Click here to grab your place ready for 2nd March

Just a quick post reminding you that our bodies are designed to go to the toilet after each meal we eat so theoretically if you don’t do a “no 2” every day you have seriously got to increase the amount of fibre you are eating.

If your diet is high in refined foods such as white bread and also a lot of meat but low on fresh vegetables it is likely that there is a serious backlog happening in your digestive tract.

Think of your body like the kitchen sink – if you throw fat and other things down there it will get blocked.

Foods that supply plenty of fibre are fruits, vegetables, whole grains but also some other special foods such as flaxseed and chia seeds.

So to keep it simple just look at the amount of fibre you are eating and try and increase it.

Half your dinner plate should be vegetables (no potato doesn’t count) – does that sound like a lot?

A great way to include flaxseed is in these sweet treats I made this week. I was doing a presentation at a local business hub about how to increase energy and productivity and as the event is called “coffee & croissants” I decided to make some healthy treats to take along and share.

Here is the recipe if you want to have a go:

ZITA’S APRICOT CHIA NUT BITES

These dairy, sugar ang gluten free sweet treats are packed with fibre, good fats and protein and can be stored in the freezer if you make a batch. Store in fridge once made. Ingredients can be found at good health food shops or online.

Makes about 20 balls

225g bag of chopped, dried, apricots (could use dates for a sweeter flavour.

4 tablespoons flax seed

1 tablespoon chia seeds

2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil

2 tablespoons unsweetened peanut butter

1/2 cup ground almonds

2 tablespoons tahini

1 tablespoon cinnamon powder

1 tablespoon vanilla powder

Blend everything in food processor then make into balls and coat in sesame seeds.

If you like the recipe feel free to share this blog post with your friends 🙂